Having a pet improves mental health

Your furry friend or pet is good for your mental health, according to a study. The researchers from the universities of Liverpool, Manchester and Southampton suggest that pets provide benefits to those with mental health conditions. There is increasing recognition of the therapeutic function pets can play in relation to mental health. There has, however, been no systematic review of the evidence related to the comprehensive role of companion animals and how pets might contribute to the work associated with managing a long-term mental health condition. The study team systematically reviewed 17 international research papers, to identify the positive, negative and neutral impacts of pet ownership. The negative aspects of pet ownership were also highlighted, including the practical and emotional burden of pet ownership, and the psychological impact that losing a pet has. The findings have been published in BMC Psychiatry.